Stratasys’ Connex technology has previously allowed users to 3D print using two different base resins, but with the new Objet500 Connex3, you can use as many as three--PolyJet photopolymer, Digital ABS, and “another material of your choice”. What that means is that you can mix a variety of different types of materials in the same print job, including materials that are rigid, rubbery, and clear with “hundreds of composite materials”.

On top of that, this 3D printer
offers full color support. There are 10 different color palettes you
can use, and a single prototype can have up to 46 colors in it. The
palettes include opaque colors and translucent ones alike.

The Objet500 Connex3’s tray is 19.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in. with a net
build size of 19.3 × 15.4 × 7.9 in. There are 8 print heads that can
handle build layers as small as 16 microns, and supported systems
include Windows 7 and Windows 8 (64-bit).

The most powerful aspect of the Objet500 Connex3 is the fact that with multiple colors and materials, designers can more closely replicate the look and the feel of their prototypes. That will help reduce development timelines and should lead to better design work, which benefits everyone.